Trade Tales: Ask Us Anything - Anissa Zajac on Getting Out-of-State Jobs Right (October 29, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Trade Tales (hosted by Kaitlin Petersen, Editor in Chief of Business of Home), celebrated designer Anissa Zajac returns to share her hard-earned wisdom on managing out-of-state interior design projects. Responding to a listener's question, the discussion zeroes in on the challenges, logistics, and strategies needed to succeed when expanding design services beyond local markets. Anissa offers a candid look at pricing, relationship-building, communication, and maintaining both creativity and professionalism while remote.

Main Topics & Discussion Points

1. Listener’s Challenge: Expanding to New Markets

• Context: A designer seeks advice on managing jobs in multiple states, referencing moves between Arizona, California, with new project leads in Florida and New York. She worries about maintaining standards, coordinating installs, and bridging gaps with unfamiliar vendors.

  • Key Quote: “I’m just looking for the best way to transition smoothly, either managing projects remotely or being able to coordinate with other local vendors, handling installations and just making sure my vision really comes to life in another city successfully.” (B, 01:29)

• Travel Preferences: The designer values in-person interactions and structures fees to accommodate travel.

  • “It looks like me traveling to them initially for the consultation, a couple times throughout the project, and for the final walkthrough and photography.” (B, 02:10)

2. Anissa Zajac: Journey & Philosophy

• Anissa’s Background: Known for her out-of-state clientele, Anissa’s business developed organically—opportunities came via social media, rather than strategic planning.

  • Notable Quote: “I never really have a plan in place. I just kind of let things happen, and then I’m like, all right, we’ll figure it out.” (C, 12:44)

• Business Evolution: Reflects on her own journey, including frequent personal moves and renovations.

  • “I’ve said this so many times. I’m never looking for the next project when I’m in the midst of a project, but somehow I keep finding myself finishing a home... and then, I don’t know, I need to stay off realty websites.” (C, 05:55)

3. Key Strategies for Managing Remote Projects

A. Setting Expectations and Building Trust (14:44–17:48)

• Thorough, early communication with both clients and local team members is non-negotiable.

  • “It always starts with the client, and then meeting the team... setting those clear expectations from the get-go is really what’s, I think, saved us.” (C, 13:43)

• Upfront Pricing: Transparent discussions about design fees and travel costs.

  • “We have a minimum of hours to start with us… This is just for us to do the design.” (C, 17:58)
  • “We charge a day rate for travel. So if we’re going out of state, we charge a day rate. And that includes our travel costs, food costs, hotel stay—whatever it is, it’s all included in that day rate.” (C, 17:58)

B. When and Why to Be Onsite (23:04–25:45)

• Essential Touchpoints:

  • Initial walkthrough and meeting local team.
  • Key construction milestones (e.g. electrical walkthroughs, tile layout, trim details).
  • Final installations and photography.

• “Our ideas are just ideas until those people build them or make them… if you can build a good friendship [with trades], they’re so much more willing to let you know if something comes up or be there for you and advocate for each other.” (C, 23:13)

• In-person advantage: Some details simply can’t be managed by video call.

  • “There’s things that you just can’t see via FaceTime.” (C, 25:48)

C. Practical Logistics, Vendor Management, and Teamwork (33:18–37:38)

• Local Partners: Cultivate goodwill with small gestures (e.g., lunches, thank-you gifts).
  • “Small tokens of kindness go a long way... I think it means a lot to people, especially in this industry, when somebody of a different trade thanks them for their part in the project.” (C, 33:47)
• Communication: Assign team members as dedicated points of contact for each project.
• Storage & Deliveries: Collaborate with local white-glove services for safe, timely deliveries.
  • “We usually have a storage facility we work with... a white glove delivery service that can store all of the products that are being sent.” (C, 37:10)

D. When Teams Don’t Mesh

• Recognize when on-site presence is needed due to local team difficulties—and be transparent with the client about what that means for project costs.
  • “When that happens, it requires us to be there more… We then have to turn to the client and ask the client to mediate the issue for us.” (C, 37:44)

4. Scoping, Vetting, and Billing for Out-of-State Work

• Scoping: Adjust approach depending on the project’s size and client involvement.

  • “If it were a really large project...I would never take it on unless the client was comfortable with paying those remote rates… because it just wouldn’t be able to be done properly.” (C, 42:59)

• Vetting Clients: Look for “fit” and red flags; be upfront about the need for strong relationships.

  • “You’ve got to interview your clients the same way they’re interviewing you from the beginning... If it’s not wonderful at the beginning, then you really have to ask yourself, do you want to see this all the way through to the end?” (C, 31:03)
  • “You have to like me as much as you like my design... We’re going to be married for at least the next two years.” (C, 31:45)

• Documentation and Sign-off: Require documentation and meetings to ensure clients truly understand contracts, fees, and project requirements.

  • “It’s really important to meet with the client—even if it’s via Zoom—where they have a copy of your welcome packet, or your contract…” (C, 39:16)

5. Memorable Quotes

• Anissa on Project Responsibility:
  • “You can inhibit yourself by getting caught up in the weight of all of it, and it can hold you back where you kind of have to hold on to that belief at the very beginning of, you know what? I’m just going to do it. I’m going to go for it, and I’m going to figure it out.” (C, 47:00)
• Advice from Anissa’s Mentor:
  • “You have to invest in your business because you are investing in yourself and you cannot think about, can I afford this? Can I not afford this? Just do what feels right and you will make it work.” (C, 45:57)
• Summing Up Client Care:
  • “Run a project the way you would want someone to run your own project.” (C, 26:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:29 — Listener question: Navigating work in multiple states, core challenges.
• 05:39–10:15 — Anissa’s personal and business journey, building her design firm.
• 12:44–17:48 — How she began out-of-state projects; setting clear expectations, structuring pricing.
• 23:13–25:45 — Essential onsite touchpoints; relationship-building with local trades.
• 28:27–30:52 — Real-world examples: Frequency & duration of site visits for Florida and Chicago projects.
• 31:03–33:18 — Vetting and meshing with clients for long projects.
• 33:47–37:38 — Developing strong rapport with new local vendors and teamwork essentials.
• 39:16–42:47 — Documentation, logistics, and upfront, ongoing conversations about budget and responsibilities.
• 45:57–48:57 — Best business advice Anissa has ever received.

Takeaways for Designers Considering Out-of-State Projects

• Prepare Thoroughly: Set expectations in writing, clarify all fees, and document processes.
• Prioritize Communication: Be transparent, communicate often, and adapt to client and team needs.
• Vet Everyone: Assess clients and local partners for fit and reliability from the outset.
• Flex Pricing: There’s no one-size-fits-all fee structure; tailor costs based on project scope and location logistics.
• Maintain Professionalism & Kindness: Build trust through small gestures and respectful collaboration.
• Don’t Fear the Leap: Sometimes, success comes from moving forward with confidence and trusting yourself to sort out challenges along the way.

This episode offers a candid, practical, and encouraging exploration of what it truly takes to design from afar—packed with advice both philosophical and actionable for interior designers looking to elevate their business beyond borders.